2026
My name is Benjamim Francisco Dirá, I am from Gorongosa, Sofala province, born on November 13, 2006. I am a first-year general medicine student at the Catholic University of Mozambique. I am very grateful for the support and dedication of DFM and APESMO. I am totally grateful for the support and for this opportunity offered to me to study medicine, which is my dream. I am dedicating myself a lot and taking advantage of this incredible, challenging, and very tough experience. During the preparatory year, I was able to gain more experience and skills that are helping me. From the preparatory year to the first year of medicine, I am gradually adapting to the new study methods. Finally, I am growing, learning, and enjoying the course more. I am very grateful to APESMO and DFM for their support. I would also like to thank Dr. Gitta and Dr. Harry for their support, trust, and for being part of the family.
2025
My name is Benjamim Francisco Dirá. I was born on November 13, 2006, in Gorongosa District, Sofala Province, Mozambique. I am a Christian and completed secondary school (12th grade) in 2024 at Cristo Rei de Gorongosa Secondary School. I am the fourth child among six siblings, consisting of three men and three women. My mother has always been responsible for taking care of us since childhood. I never met my father and only learned about his passing when I was eight years old, in December 2014.
My mother works as a vendor and farmer. My eldest sister, from my mother’s previous marriage, is a General Medicine Technician, and another sister, from the same father, is a Basic Nurse. My older brother, who shares the same father with me, stopped studying in the 11th grade. The two younger siblings who come after me are still studying: one is in the 10th grade, and the other is in the 5th grade. I have a great interest in Biology and Chemistry. Since I started the 8th grade in 2020, the desire to become a doctor has been my dream, growing stronger and stronger over the years.
I sincerely appreciate the opportunity granted to me by DFM, as well by APESMO. I express my deepest gratitude.